Denbigh Runs Past Dukes, Wins 25-7

GLOUCESTER — Good things happen to those who get outside on the Gloucester defense. Denbigh was the next team in line to prove the theory Friday night at Page Middle School.

Junior tailback Jermaine Bellamy rushed for 200 yards and helped the Patriots turn back Gloucester on its homecoming night, 25-7.

Team speed would seem to be the biggest factor that separates Gloucester (0-5,0-4)from the other Peninsula District teams at this point. For the second straight week, a runner broke the 200-yard barrier against the Dukes' defense.

This week it was Bellamy, who needed only 12 carries to do it. Two of those rushes were touchdown romps of 80 and 52 yards.

Junior tight end Tommy Dinkens threw a big block that allowed Bellamy to get outside on his first TD run. Bellamy's 80-yard sprint down the left sideline proved to be a big blow, since there was only 1:35 left to play in the first half, and it came immediately after a 44-yard Gloucester drive ended with Josh Smith missing left on a 33-yard field goal attempt.

It was also the first time this season that Denbigh (2-3, 2-2) had scored more than one touchdown in a game. The Patriots led 13-0 at halftime.

Late in the third quarter, Bellamy struck again - this time two plays after senior defensive back Myron Braggs' interception gave Denbigh the ball near midfield. Bellamy took quarterback Jerry Dye's pitch and raced down the right sideline. His 52-yard run gave the Patriots a 19-0 lead and a headlock on their second consecutive district victory after beating Bethel last week.

"I don't think we played the football game we played last week," Schmidt said. "A lot of that had to with Gloucester."

Denbigh's second consecutive district victory obscured the return of Gloucester senior quarterback Bryant Lee and a brilliant effort from senior receiver Brad Hudgins.

Lee, who took over for freshman Jason Elazier late in the second quarter, was 8-of-13 for 104 yards.